Ranil to visit India

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremsinghe will visit India next week to set the agenda for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s trip to Colombo in May.

“The visit of the PM of Sri Lanka to India from April 25 is part of our continuing engagement with the Government of Sri Lanka at the highest level,” an MEA spokesperson said, announcing the visit.

Officials said an MoU to develop Trincomalee port’s prospects through operating a major oil-storage facility, LNG plant and piped-gas projects and developing it as a key transit point with major expressways and industrial zones in the region is in the final stages of negotiations.

The two sides will also hold discussions on the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA), a version of the free trade agreement, and will be taken forward during Mr. Modi’s visit for International Vesak Day, the annual Buddhist festival on May 12, officials told The Hindu.

Mr. Wickremsinghe, who frequently travels to India, is understood to be visiting India for a private visit from April 25 to 29, to attend a wedding, but will spend April 26 in Delhi for official meetings.

Mr. Wickremesinghe’s visit is also significant as it comes a few weeks before his trip to Beijing to attend the Belt and Road Summit, that Sri Lanka has joined.

While Chinese companies have already clinched many important infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka, including the Hambantota and Colombo port development projects, India is hopeful of more projects in the North and the East of the island.

Apart from the economic agenda, Mr. Wickremsinghe is expected to discuss the ongoing dispute over fishing rights in the Palk Strait with Ms. Swaraj.

Despite several rounds of negotiations between the fishing communities of the two countries, Indian fishermen continue to be apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy for trespassing in their waters.

In the latest case in early April, six men claiming to be fishermen were also arrested for smuggling drugs by Sri Lankan forces, the latest flashpoint in the series of arrests that saw 10 men arrested on March 21, and 12 arrested on March 25. (Hindu)

Comments - 7

Sir, could you please tell me how many more countries to be ticked from list of countries you have prepared? Someone told me only 10% you have ticked so far!

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Sincere Friday, 21 April 2017 13:45

It seems that 365 days for a year is not enough for him to fly around the world!

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Justica USA... Saturday, 22 April 2017 08:20

why would a PM of a country go to the other country to set up the agenda of its PMs trip is Ranil so cheapis it a protocol thats followed the world over flying around the world seems to be Ranils fav sport...did he cut short the trip to Vietnam to score brownie points he came he saw...n he left.... via DM Android App

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seqi Saturday, 22 April 2017 09:49

Rubbish talks as money talks via DM Android App

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Sambo Saturday, 22 April 2017 10:02

Is RW the prime minister or the foreign minister. Seems "Widesha Gatha Ameti"

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Adrian Saturday, 22 April 2017 12:57

In what country, does the PM of the country that will host the meeting go to the country of the official who will be visiting to prepare for the visit? Has Modi ever come to Sri Lanka to prepare for the visit of RW to India? India should be sending its officials to Colombo to prepare for the visit. This action by the PM must a first anywhere in the world. A shame to the honour and pride of Sri Lanka!!

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Akila Saturday, 22 April 2017 13:44

Could you please stay there forever without coming back. That is the great help you could do for entire SL. via DM Android App

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01

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